Muscle Twitching/ALS Fears

[Jennilr]

I have had random muscle twitching throughout my body for the last 6-7 months. Sometimes it is worse than others. I made the mistake of googling and of course ALS has to come up. I also know someone who was recently diagnosed with ALS as well, so that bothers me too. So for the last 2.5 months I have been consumed with this. I have seen a Psyiatrist and a Neurologist along with my GP and have had TWO EMG tests done along with neuro exams(I guess one wasn’t good enough for me) they both said absolutely no ALS. They said to just ignore it because it’s notjing. I still can’t shake it though. I am now super focused on my right hand and can imagine it feeling weaker or funny. I focus on every move I make with that hand all day long studying how it feels.
This is torture and I wish I could just believe the doctors and it would go away. Is it possible for the mind to focus so much on a part that you can imagine sensations or feelings that aren’t clinically there?

 

[Chris]

On the last question.. it’s possible but more than likely your body is magnifying those feelings and making them feel way more prominent than they are because your focusing on it so much.

Have you tried taking a magnesium supplement? Muscle twitches can be a sign of a deficiency.

 

[riley coach]

I have had random muscle twitching throughout my body for the last 6-7 months. Sometimes it is worse than others. I made the mistake of googling and of course ALS has to come up. I also know someone who was recently diagnosed with ALS as well, so that bothers me too. So for the last 2.5 months I have been consumed with this. I have seen a Psyiatrist and a Neurologist along with my GP and have had TWO EMG tests done along with neuro exams(I guess one wasn’t good enough for me) they both said absolutely no ALS. They said to just ignore it because it’s notjing. I still can’t shake it though. I am now super focused on my right hand and can imagine it feeling weaker or funny. I focus on every move I make with that hand all day long studying how it feels.
This is torture and I wish I could just believe the doctors and it would go away. Is it possible for the mind to focus so much on a part that you can imagine sensations or feelings that aren’t clinically there?

Hi i have been having the same feelings. My story is almost exactly like yours except ive had some weird problems with my eyes and ive had more "funny" or uncomfortable sensations through my body- you can click my name and look at my thread on it if youre interested. It may help to know that someone else is experiencing the same thing. I have yet to see anyone about it, but ive almost convinced myself that it could just be anxiety. I tend to feel fine when i am distracted. Yesterday, i had a blast and hung out with a friend all day and I did not feel one funny sensation that scared me... Maybe start writing down what you were doing before a twitch happened- like what was your state of mind. You may find that certain emotions or thoughst start the twitches.

 

[Jennilr]

On the last question.. it’s possible but more than likely your body is magnifying those feelings and making them feel way more prominent than they are because your focusing on it so much.

Have you tried taking a magnesium supplement? Muscle twitches can be a sign of a deficiency.

Thank you for the reply. I do take some magnesium, probably not enough though. I actually noticed this after abruptly stopping Valium 10mg daily for 8 months. I have been off for seven months but I think it has something to do with withdrawals from that. The doctors say it is anxiety, because I have checked it out more than once. I just have to convince myself of that!

 

[Jennilr]

Hi i have been having the same feelings. My story is almost exactly like yours except ive had some weird problems with my eyes and ive had more "funny" or uncomfortable sensations through my body- you can click my name and look at my thread on it if youre interested. It may help to know that someone else is experiencing the same thing. I have yet to see anyone about it, but ive almost convinced myself that it could just be anxiety. I tend to feel fine when i am distracted. Yesterday, i had a blast and hung out with a friend all day and I did not feel one funny sensation that scared me... Maybe start writing down what you were doing before a twitch happened- like what was your state of mind. You may find that certain emotions or thoughst start the twitches.

Thank you for replying. Health anxiety is really awful. I have literally had my entire
Body scanned this past year because if I get fixated on a sensation it is really hard to get past. I recently started therapy for it. It’s not an easy thing to get beyond. I read your threads. Sounds like you really go through a lot as well. I feel bad. I can definitely relate to what you are saying.

 

[Rinka]

Thank you for the reply. I do take some magnesium, probably not enough though. I actually noticed this after abruptly stopping Valium 10mg daily for 8 months. I have been off for seven months but I think it has something to do with withdrawals from that. The doctors say it is anxiety, because I have checked it out more than once. I just have to convince myself of that!

8 months on a benzo is quite a long time. It can mess up your body chemistry for some time even after the first withdrawal symptoms stopped. I did read that people have withdrawal symptoms for months after. It could still be withdrawal you are going through. Also anxiety is magnifying things like that, don’t forget.

 

[Chris]

Thank you for the reply. I do take some magnesium, probably not enough though. I actually noticed this after abruptly stopping Valium 10mg daily for 8 months. I have been off for seven months but I think it has something to do with withdrawals from that. The doctors say it is anxiety, because I have checked it out more than once. I just have to convince myself of that!

Could well be the Valium! Daily for 8 months is quite bit. Did you feel the twitches when you immediately quit? Is it the same feeling you feel now?

 

[Jennilr]

Could well be the Valium! Daily for 8 months is quite bit. Did you feel the twitches when you immediately quit? Is it the same feeling you feel now?

I have always had health anxiety but it was under control. I was given Valium 10 mg in suppository form daily for 8 months for tight pelvic floor muscles. The prescription ran out and I just stopped taking it. I started getting very anxious shortly after. I didn’t know why? My gp gave me Xanax then so I took that for one month until I realized I became dependent on it and couldn’t get out of the house without taking it or I would have a panic attack, so I stopped that abruptly as well. I never took medications so I had no idea this was a bad idea and nobody told me.
The next six months I went through hell. The twitching started, dizziness for at least six months(3 brain mri’s For that), panic attacks, major anxiety, couldn’t leave the house, but more than anything my ocd/health anxiety was magnified to a level it has never been at. I started therapy for it recently. I never felt worse.
I am now 8 months off and I am defiantly a lot better and function a lot more normally. I still get the anxiety time to time and dizziness here and there and the twitches seem to have slowed down a bit, but still there.
Perhaps the Valium caused this? I guess it is a muscle relaxer. If I could do it all over I would have never taken Valium or Xanax daily for that amount of time. Do you think the Valium and Xanax could cause this?

Could well be the Valium! Daily for 8 months is quite bit. Did you feel the twitches when you immediately quit? Is it the same feeling you feel now?

 

[Chris]

So when did you start taking the Xanax? after the Valium? How long have you been off both Xanax and Valium? From what you’re saying I’m pretty sure these twitches are from these meds. These drugs are highly addictive and withdrawals can last a long time after.

 

[Jennilr]

So when did you start taking the Xanax? after the Valium? How long have you been off both Xanax and Valium? From what you’re saying I’m pretty sure these twitches are from these meds. These drugs are highly addictive and withdrawals can last a long time after.

I took the Valium for 8 months. I started the Xanax about two weeks after for one month(up to twice a day .50 total) I have been off both for 8 months. I have definitely gotten better overall but still have some residual effects and the twitches drive me crazy. I dislike those the most. I think I notice those more now because some of the other horrible effects have gone away! Thank you for your time.

 

[Chris]

No problem! Give it a few more months, the twitching should pass eventually. Also if you can take a magnesium supplement. That should help as well.

 

[Pamrivera]

Anxiety can cause muscles to twitch and jerk. I have noticed since I have been taking CBD, my anxiety is mush less and my body is more relaxed. Here is my story.
About four years ago, I went to a family reunion. While there, I visited with my cousin's widow, who was going through chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer. She told me about CBD oil and how she heard it helped relieve pain.

Fast forward to July 21, 2018, at the same family reunion, with the same cousin. She is cancer free. I hugged her and thanked her for telling me about CBD oil because I am also almost pain free!

You see, I have been suffering chronic debilitating pain for 30 years. It started out with aches and pains all over my body. Eventually, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I also have suffered from childhood depression, anxiety, PTSD and ADHD most of my life. The combination of all of these illnesses greatly diminished the quality of my life.

I suffered emotionally, mentally and physically. The mental and emotional pain kept me from reaching my full potential. The physical pain kept increasing until it was all I could do to work part-time in the morning and fall into bed exhausted when I got home. I couldn't do any of the things I used to enjoy with my family. I couldn't keep my house clean or carry a full laundry basket upstairs. I had to hire a housekeeper!

But, months ago, after much research online I ordered my first bottle of CBD oil! What did I have to lose?

Within, one day I noticed my mind was calmer. Within three days the pain was lessening and I wasn't as tired.

Now, after four months, I am 85% to 90% pain free. My brain fog is much better. I have much more energy, and my mood is fantastic! I feel so blessed and thankful to God for creating Hemp, the plant CBD comes from. I don't have "bad" days anymore.

My mission now is to share my story with anyone who will listen. I want everyone to know more about CBD and how it can change your life like it did mine. It has been an amazing transformation. One that four months ago I never dreamed was possible.

Here are the facts!

1. CBD made from industrial hemp and in accordance with section 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill and 2017 US Appropriations Act is LEGAL in all 50 states.

2. Because of the above mentioned federal legislations, both industrial hemp farms are protected as well as consumers. Federal funds cannot be used to prohibit the sale or consumption of these products.

3. In the event that any of the 50 US states outlawed industrial hemp derived CBD, the federal Supremacy Clause would take effect and over rule the state law.

4. Federal law states that the legal limit of THC in any CBD product must be .3% or less. If your CBD product contains this trace amount of THC it will not get you high, however it could potentially show on a drug screen depending on how your body metabolizes THC. If drug screens are a concern you want products called “CBD Isolate” which contains absolutely no THC whatsoever.

5. To ensure the efficacy of your CBD product its safe and legal please make sure the company you shop with has lab results posted on their website, manufactures their CBD in house and does not get from a CBD middle man manufacturer.

If you would like to know how my story continues from here, follow me on Facebook. I am the one with the Black hat and blue dress!

 

[Jennilr]

Thank you so much for sharing this story. That is an amazing transformation. I really appreciate it. I have heard of CBD, but never tried it. What brand do you use? My ocd/health anxiety has reached a really bad level that I have to get under control. I refuse to take any prescription drugs because my experience with the benzos and the withdrawl from them. This could be a great solution and is the confirmation I need to order it. Thank you again and if you could share the brand that would be a big help.

 

[Jennilr]

8 months on a benzo is quite a long time. It can mess up your body chemistry for some time even after the first withdrawal symptoms stopped. I did read that people have withdrawal symptoms for months after. It could still be withdrawal you are going through. Also anxiety is magnifying things like that, don’t forget.

Thank you for replying to me. I do feel my entire system has been messed up because the dose and length of time coupled with an abrupt stop. I was dizzy for months. Every day is another day down I guess. However, I have always suffered with anxiety issues. This just seems to have magnified it the last 8 months! Thank you again.

 

[Hal 9000]

I have had random muscle twitching throughout my body for the last 6-7 months. Sometimes it is worse than others. I made the mistake of googling and of course ALS has to come up. I also know someone who was recently diagnosed with ALS as well, so that bothers me too. So for the last 2.5 months I have been consumed with this. I have seen a Psyiatrist and a Neurologist along with my GP and have had TWO EMG tests done along with neuro exams(I guess one wasn’t good enough for me) they both said absolutely no ALS. They said to just ignore it because it’s notjing. I still can’t shake it though. I am now super focused on my right hand and can imagine it feeling weaker or funny. I focus on every move I make with that hand all day long studying how it feels.
This is torture and I wish I could just believe the doctors and it would go away. Is it possible for the mind to focus so much on a part that you can imagine sensations or feelings that aren’t clinically there?

Hi Jen, I'm sorry to hear about your specific fear. I think a lot of us have specific go-to diseases that we always think we have.
I went through a period of about a year and a half in which I thought I had ALS every other month. I mean, I was convinced at times to the point that I was trying to figure out how to change the house to accommodate a wheelchair.
I would test my leg strength in weird ways that resulted in my muscles feeling funny the next day which, you guessed it, convinced me that I had it.
Of course I Googled and WebMd'ed until I drove myself crazy. One day I found a web page on which a physical therapist explained the symptoms and explained what your capabilities would be if you were afflicted.
From what you are saying it sounds like you are going through exactly what I went through and from what you wrote it sounds like you are fine.

I don't advocate going online, I think breaking your anxiety cycle by changing your behavior is much more effective.
BUT, this website cured me of my ALS anxiety forever so I think you should see it. I hope it will help you as much and you'll never Google ALS again. Please let me know if it helps.

https://scarysymptoms.com/2012/02/muscle-twitching-help-foot-drop/